Boiler Size From Radiators
Calculator
Results
- Connected radiator load (W)
- 9,600
- Boiler output (W)
- 11,040
- Boiler output (kW)
- 11.04
- Power (BTU/h)
- 37,670.047679
HVAC and plumbing results
| Connected radiator load (W) | 9,600 |
| Boiler output (W) | 11,040 |
| Boiler output (kW) | 11.04 |
| Power (BTU/h) | 37,670.047679 |
formula-map diagram
- Connected radiator load (W)
- 9,600
- Boiler output (W)
- 11,040
- Boiler output (kW)
- 11.04
- Power (BTU/h)
- 37,670.047679
HVAC and plumbing relationship
Formula
Boiler = Σ radiator output × (1 + margin)= 9600
Note
This is a simplified model: it applies a standard engineering formula to the numbers you entered. Conversions between BTU/h and kW use the exact factor 1 kW = 3412.142 BTU/h, but every sizing figure is an estimate. Air conditioner sizing uses the common 20 BTU/h per square foot rule of thumb, not a room-by-room load calculation, and it ignores insulation, glazing, orientation, ceiling height, infiltration and local climate. Heating loads use a single volumetric heat-loss factor in W/m³·K rather than a fabric-by-fabric U-value calculation. Air properties are fixed at 1.2 kg/m³ and water at 1000 kg/m³ and 4186 J/kg·K, with no correction for temperature, altitude or glycol. Duct and pipe results use the ideal continuity equation and ignore fittings, bends, roughness and system effect unless you enter those losses yourself. The Hazen-Williams equation is valid only for water in full turbulent flow at ordinary temperatures. Water hammer uses the Joukowsky surge, an upper bound for instant closure. Tank drainage assumes a prismatic tank and steady free discharge. Hot water recovery and condensate figures ignore standing losses and coil bypass. Size real systems with a proper heat-loss survey and have the work checked by a qualified HVAC or plumbing professional.
More in HVAC and plumbing
See all →Frequently asked questions
How does adding up radiator outputs tell me the boiler size I need?+
Summing the rated output of every radiator in the system gives the total heat the building needs to deliver simultaneously on the coldest design day, which is the minimum useful heat output the boiler must be able to produce.
Should the boiler's output exactly match the sum of radiator outputs?+
It should be at least equal to it, often with a modest additional allowance for domestic hot water demand and pipe heat losses, but a boiler far larger than the total radiator output wastes money and can cycle inefficiently at partial load.
Does this calculation account for domestic hot water production?+
Not directly — this sizes the boiler for space heating only. A combi boiler that also heats domestic hot water on demand typically needs additional capacity beyond the radiator total to heat water quickly enough during simultaneous demand.
Why might my old boiler be oversized compared to this calculation?+
Older heating systems were frequently sized with generous safety margins and less precise heat loss methods, or the building has since been insulated or had windows upgraded, reducing actual heat demand well below the original boiler's rated output.
What happens if the new boiler is undersized relative to total radiator output?+
The radiators won't all reach their full rated temperature simultaneously on the coldest days, meaning the building may not reach its target temperature during the most severe weather even though it manages fine most of the year.